Weekly doses of taxol

[nikki9]

Has anyone experienced a reasonable remission after a 18 weekly taxol regime. Hugs to all x

[Whippit]

Dear Nikki

I was wondering how you were feeling after your post last week to say you'd had the first of 18 weeks of Taxol and were feeling very tired.

I went to a lecture by Professor Hani Gabra in the Royal Hammersmith who said that dose-dense weekly Taxol had been proven to extend remission in many patients over and above 3-week Taxol doses and he said it was as effective as Avastin. He also said generally that side-effects were minimised and whilst patients could still have joint pain, tiredness, etc. it was generally not as extreme as the more traditional dose. I'm hoping that this initial tiredness might diminish as the treatment goes on and that you're feeling much better soon.

I hadn't thought of the psychological impact of having 18 weekly treatments rather than 6 x 3-week treatments. It must seem like a long road ahead for the moment as you're feeling poorly but on the other hand you will only have had 1/3 of the dose in the first Week so perhaps it takes a bit of time for this weekly regime to kick in.

I'm thinking of you and hoping you feel much better soon. Lots of love, hugs and sympathy. Keep posting when you feel like it as we're here for you.

xxxx Annie

[mau123 in reply to Whippit]

Hi,

my mum has also been prescribed weekly Taxol after she has completed her 3 x cycles of carboplatin/Taxol, in her case it will be for 12wks.

What does the dose dense refer to, in mums case it will be a much lower dose i think around 60mg? each week. It is interesting to hear that Prof Gabra considers it an effective chemo regime similar to Avastin ( my mother has not been offered Avastin treatment).

Will keep you posted

Thanks

Mauro

[Whippit in reply to mau123]

Dear Maura

The Avastin option seems to be a bit of a postcode lottery and I suspect women are not offered it unless they ask for it. I think as far as dose goes they will give you as much as the body will process to make the most impact. It's not really a very exact science!

I hope your Mum's new regime works for her. It sounds a long haul - perhaps that's the reason for the smaller dose.

Loads of love to you and her. xxx Annie

[nikki9 in reply to Whippit]

Thank you Annie i have been told it will take about 6 doses to improve bloated tummy etc, lets hope that this is a good option it seems to be given for breast cancer as well. Can't believe I can't wait to do ironing and washing up again ha ha. Hubby has been wonderful. Hugs xx

[nikki9 in reply to Whippit]

Thank you Annie your support is so helpful as I must admit I do get so scared. Having no.4 taxol tomorrow all going well. Still quite weak and bloated but my onc. Has said to hang in there, he would prefer for the chemo to do its work rather than another drain. I am being guided by him. What a wonderful site this is

[Whippit in reply to nikki9]

Dear Nikki,

I've just come back from a 3-monthly appointment and asked my oncologist about the weekly Taxol. Apparently there are several versions of the Icon8 trials in which this is being tested.

The first ones compared weekly Taxol against a regime of carbo-platin alone and this was held in Japan but she explained the Japanese are very sensitive to chemotherapy and tend to respond quickly to it but regress quickly too. Apparently the Icon8 trials in various formats are being trialled and tested across the world to work out what is the best combination.

I just feel we're on the edge of a breakthrough and it's just a matter of keeping the beast at bay as long as we can so we're prepared to take advantage of whatever new treatment can be offered.

xxx love Annie

[nikki9 in reply to Whippit]

thanks annie i certainlyam pleased to try anything. How are you getting on ? xx

[Whippit in reply to nikki9]

Dear Nikki

I had a reprieve yesterday. My CA125 has doubled in 5 weeks but I feel well and the tumours are still quite small so I have 3 months off which gives me time to focus on starting our support group in SE Wales and a new programme of diet and fitness which the hospital are helping with. I'm posting up a blog later about this as I felt it was a very positive service.

I think you're right to trust your oncologist and to hang in there. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you that you feel more comfortable soon and that the weekly Taxol does the trick.

Sending loads of love and hugs. xxx Annie

[Hidden]

having just completed my regime and the ca went from 999 to ca 7. I shall await with interest as to how long the r word last always very cautious these consultants. But enjoyed the information given by Annie let hope we gets a bit of good respite will let everyone know how I do.This will help to give others a clue as to have weekly or 6x3

It is a long haul but worth it..

Regards Barbara